While we make our own digestive enzymes, we naturally make less and less as we age. And if there is poor gut health or inflammation, like with food intolerances or bacterial overgrowth, this process may also be compromised.

What happens if your food is not digested fully?

The undigested food may pass into the large intestine.

The bacteria and yeast in your gut uses the undigested food to nourish themselves.

The by-products of bacterial digestion and yeast fermentation (hydrogen, carbon dioxide and methane gas) can produce very uncomfortable symptoms like gas and bloating, indigestion and irregularity.

The undigested food and by-products can trigger an inflammatory response which may damage the gut lining, creating a vicious cycle.

Comparing Digestive Enzymes

If you need a digestive enzyme, it can be pretty confusing to decide which one is best for you. I hope the comparison below will help you.

In this chart, I compared the ingredients in three excellent digestive enzymes from Enzyme Science and then discussed the rationale behind when each might be a good choice.

Many people begin with Complete Digestionas it provides a “good coverage” of digestive enzymes for a reasonable price.

If they require a more potent digestive enzyme (more proteases, amylases lipases and across the board more other enzymes), they then try Critical Digestion.

People with specific food sensitivities often utilize Intolerance Complexin situations when they are unable to avoid foods they have trouble digesting or are eating out and not exactly sure how their meal is prepared.